The WNBA 2025: A Season Start with Star Moves
The 2025 WNBA season has generated great anticipation, fueled by an exciting free agency and trades that have redefined the league’s landscape. Four number one draft picks changed teams, including figures like Kelsey Plum and Jewell Loyd, who starred in the first trade in league history involving multiple number one picks. Plum, Loyd, Brittney Griner, and Alyssa Thomas are some of the stars playing for new franchises for the first time in their careers, a change that has transformed the WNBA.
Even though the season is in its early stages, with all teams having played between four and six games, it’s a good time to analyze the impact of these stellar moves. Below, an analysis of the players who have had the greatest impact and others who are expected to shine.
The Five Most Impactful Players
- Kelsey Plum, Los Angeles Sparks: Plum’s arrival in Los Angeles promised to revitalize the franchise. Although they haven’t yet translated into wins, she has brought back the sparkle to the organization. Plum has proven to be the dynamic guard that the Sparks needed, averaging 25.2 points per game, which places her second in the league, and has scored the most points in the first six games in Sparks history.
- Natasha Cloud, New York Liberty: Cloud has proven her worth to the Liberty. In her first game, she scored 22 points, 9 assists, 6 rebounds, and 5 steals against Las Vegas, and has continued to shine with her play and defense. Her role as another scoring option, being the third-highest scorer for New York, relieves pressure on other stars, and her tenacity makes the team even more dangerous in their attempt to repeat as champions.
- Alyssa Thomas, Phoenix Mercury: Thomas is shining in Phoenix. She is coming off her second career 15-assist game and is providing reliable scoring, crucial with Copper out. Her 15.2 points per game are the second-most on the team. Thomas’s fight and tenacity have translated to her new team, particularly on defense, an aspect Phoenix has leaned on to win games.
- Satou Sabally, Phoenix Mercury: With a 4-1 record, the Mercury have their best start since 2014. Sabally is ranked 6th in the league in scoring with 19.8 points per game, something the Mercury have needed with Kahleah Copper out of action. Phoenix’s focus on spacing, 3-point shooting, and positionless basketball has been a boon for Sabally.
- Brionna Jones, Atlanta Dream: Jones has adapted well to Karl Smesko’s system, playing alongside Griner or as the sole center. Jones is one of five players in the league averaging a double-double and is recording what would be career highs in field goal attempts per game (11.0), rebounds (10.0), and assists (2.8).
Four Players to Watch
- Jewell Loyd, Las Vegas Aces: Although coach Becky Hammon had high expectations for Loyd, her performance has not been as expected. With 12.0 points per game and a 31.3% field goal percentage, her performance would be among the lowest of her career. The Aces will need Loyd to improve her production to establish themselves as contenders.
- DeWanna Bonner, Indiana Fever: Bonner was one of the star acquisitions for the Fever in free agency. While her leadership has impressed, she has yet to make a big impact on the court. Her role in Indiana is different, where she appears alongside a dominant trio with pre-existing chemistry. Coach Stephanie White has said that Bonner is adapting to a faster-paced system.
- Courtney Vandersloot and Ariel Atkins, Chicago Sky: After overhauling their roster in the offseason, the Sky have not met expectations and are one of two winless teams. The season start for Vandersloot and Atkins has been difficult. For the Sky to recover from their poor start, they will need more from their two veterans with championship experience.
